South Lyon East golf has qualified for states for the first time in the program’s history.

“I am very proud of our team,” coach Justin Chamberlin said. “They have been working really hard on their games over the entire season and they were really excited when that hard work paid off with us qualifying for states.”

The Cougars finished third in their regional at West Shore in Grosse Ile. The Cougars shot 407 to tie New Boston Huron, but won on tiebreaker with the better fifth-place score.

The Cougars sent four freshmen to the regional and they had the team’s top scores.

Kiersten VanNorden led the way with a 96 for ninth overall.

“Kiersten got off to a really hot start by chipping in for birdie on the first hole,” Chamberlin said. “She really had it going out there for the first 12 holes. She hit a couple of bumps on the home stretch, but she was able to overcome the rough patch and finish with a par on the 18th hole to complete a very good round.”

Emily O’Brien was next with an even 100 for 15th overall, followed by Devin Dzumaryk with a 103 and Natalie Aulicino with a 108 to account for the team scoring.

Junior Annika Olsen’s 110 beat the New Boston Huron fifth score by four strokes to put the Cougars in the state finals for the first time as a team.

“We were really lacking experience out there. We had four freshmen playing in our regional tournament, which is very uncommon,” Chamberlin said. “However, they played with a lot of confidence and composure. They didn’t let the pressure of the big stage get to them. I’m excited to have a great week of practice and see how they do in the state finals (this) weekend.”

South Lyon East will compete Friday and Saturday in the Division 3 finals at Forest Akers East at Michigan State.